Qa-30, 17 April 2018, Statement Of The Spokesperson Of The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, In Response To A Question Regarding The Resolution On The Developments In Syria Adopted At The Arab League Summit

Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 17.04.2018

The resolution titled “Developments in Syria” adopted at the Arab League
Summit held in Dahran, Saudi Arabia on 15 April, calling upon Turkey to
withdraw its forces from Afrin and claiming that this would “support the
efforts for finding a solution to the Syrian conflict” reveals that the aim
of Operation Olive Branch has not been comprehended.

As we have reiterated time and again, Operation Olive Branch executed by
the Turkish Armed Forces in Afrin is, first and foremost, a
counter-terrorism operation for the purposes of self-defense. It also
serves to preserve the political unity and territorial integrity of the
country as it is executed against a terrorist organization that seeks to
divide Syria.

Respect for political unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of
countries is on top of the principles that Turkey holds dear.

Despite the fact that, since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, Turkey has
assumed a heavy burden with respect to ending the suffering and bloodshed
in this country, advancing the political process and hosting millions of
displaced refugees, it is utterly unfortunate and unfair that Turkey’s
contributions have been ignored in the said resolution.